2019 Tarsha Gale Cup

Good effort, especially after losing their main playmaker (for the season) in the first tackle of the game. The Knights were too fit, quick & mobile & the bigger Penrith forwards just didn't have the lateral movement to combat the Knights. There were some big hits in the middle when our girls ran straight but we made constant inroads two or three passes wide on the edges. The defence was strong too, again against a much bigger team.

The team has looked much fitter than all comers so far but Balmain & Illawarra both have mobile teams with many players backing up from last year so should be good tests. But from what I've seen I think we play better as a team than them & don't rely as much on one or two standout players.

Also interesting with the format of playing the games in thirds that all things being equal one side is guaranteed an extra set with the ball from two kick offs. I realise it's "scorers" kick after points are scored but could be interesting in tighter games if its try for try how receiving an extra kick off could effect the result.

The girls were pretty ordinary on Saturday. Despite scoring a long range try with their first touch of the ball their next 50 or so minutes was easily their worst all year. They were whacked and steam rolled in the middle of the park by the bigger St George team and conceded three back to back tries in the 2nd third which had them chasing the scoreboard for the first time all year.

It wasn't really until the last 10-15 minutes that they started firing up and looked interested but despite the bigger Saints girls noticeably tiring they held on.

A couple of HIA injuries didn't help the Knights cause but overall Saints were the better side.

A big test this week as the Knights take on the Tigers who are undefeated and were semi finalists last year.

A few changes this week with the speedy Joeli Morris moving to the halves, while Jasmin strange has been named in the no. 4 jersey, with Petria Symington returning.

An injured back has kept Ashlee Russell out since the start of the season but she's been named in the starting 11. Sari Bieman-King and Naydine Wahanui have been named on the bench and could potentially play their first match for the girls.